Kenya Lionesses winger in search of new club after contract expiry in Japan

Kenya Lionesses winger Janet “Shebesh” Okello is currently on the lookout for a new club in Japan following the expiry of her contract with Nagato Blue Angels.

She joined the Blue Angels in May ahead of the 2025 Taiyo Seimei Sevens season.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

Okello’s stint with the Blue Angels came shortly after leaving MIE Pearls Women’s Rugby Football Club, where she enjoyed three stellar seasons that solidified her reputation as one of Kenya’s most successful rugby exports.

The electric speedster, who made history in 2022 as the first Kenyan woman to turn professional in Japanese rugby, joined MIE Pearls in March of that year and quickly established herself as a key player.

Her sharp pace, agility, and consistent performances across both the sevens and fifteens formats saw her scoop the club’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the sevens category.

Kenya 7s forward reveals tough recovery journey after seven-month injury

Among her fondest memories at MIE Pearls was sharing the pitch with her idol and global rugby icon Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, an experience she described as “a dream come true.”

Okello returned home briefly to represent the Kenya Lionesses at the 2025 Safari 7s, where she once again proved her class.

She scored five tries, earning the Player of the Final accolade as Kenya edged Uganda Lady Cranes 14-10 to reclaim the title that had eluded them for the past two years.

Speaking about her next move, Okello confirmed that her management team is already exploring new opportunities in Japan.

“At the moment, my manager is still looking for a new club for me. My contract with Nagato Blue Angels has ended,” she said.

KRU suspends all rugby activities to mourn Raila Odinga

Okello expressed her deep admiration for Japan’s commitment to developing women’s rugby.

She added that she is currently exploring new opportunities to continue her career in the Asian nation.

“I just want to continue playing in Japan, it is the best country. In terms of money and sports development, especially for women, they truly care about women’s sports. I do not think I can compare them to any other country,” she said.

Raila Odinga: The sportsman behind the statesman

The Mumias-born athlete has consistently delivered standout performances on the international stage, including during the 2024 HSBC Challenger Series, where she played a pivotal role with the Lionesses.